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Richard Quest on the Road to Ruin

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GG Staff | 04/19/2008 - 15:52 | 3 comments

What's up with stupid travel writers?

First it was Lonely Planet's Thomas Kohnstamm, who claimed to write about places he'd never been and dealt drugs on the side because the pay was so lousy. Now CNN has entered the fray with one of the most recognizable faces falling hard - in public.

Richard Quest - Dumber than he LooksRichard Quest - Dumber than he LooksInternational business travel specialist, Richard Quest, was arrested yesterday for possession of meth. Quirky, personable and popular.

Now, a meth junkie and facing the end of his career.

Quest was found wandering around Central Park on Friday after the 1 am curfew - almost 4 am, actually. As police escorted him out of the park, he piped up that he had a bag of Meth stashed in his pocket. Helpful guy. He was arraigned in Manhattan's criminal court where a judge told him to get counseling for 6 months or face criminal charges. Lucky guy!

His lawyer , Alan Abramson, told Reuters: "Mr. Quest did not realize that the park had a curfew and was returning to his hotel with friends. The matter is scheduled to be dismissed."

Not surprisingly, CNN had no comment.

What's up with stupid travel writers though. Even when you factor in all the bumped flights, getting caught in all kinds of weather and every other thing that can go wrong when you travel, it's a great job.

Think about it. Travel writers get to do things and go places -sometimes on the publication's dime - that people who choose other professions never get to do - ever.

I can name a dozen professions a hundred times more stressful: doctor, cancer counselor, emergency room nurse, school bus driver... Travel writing isn't a life and death profession and any travel writer who claims it's highly stressful is lying - 90% of it is just damn fun.

Trust me, I know.

I think Quest needs a mental exam along with his 6 months counseling. Maybe that would help him realign his priorities and figure out what "really" matters in life.

Or maybe he needs to work in a meth clinic for 6 months to get a good, long look at his future.

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Comments

I agree. I'm a travel writer

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 17:33.
I agree. I'm a travel writer as well and this guy is not indicative of the industry. Sure there are stresses - we lose our baggage and expensive digital cameras (don't ask!) but at least I'm not responsible for someone's life. I get to scope out the world for other people and enjoy it!

I know Richard Quest, and I

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/22/2008 - 17:04.
I know Richard Quest, and I like him. He is a great guy, and a true gentleman. If he has some problems, I know he will get help to fix them. He is a great reporter. I hope this publicity, even though negative at this point, will somehow enhance his career instead of hurt it. A friend of Q's.

He didn't know Central Park

Submitted by assiar (not verified) on Mon, 04/21/2008 - 03:24.
He didn't know Central Park had a curfew and yet he is a travel writer. Since he's quirky, suggest he use his new-found fame to do a special on parks of the world - their curfew time and drug use rules. Perhaps he might find himself a haven free from arrest.

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